Frequently Asked Questions about Changing Your Address Online
Go to the start page to change your address online
Before you start your address change:
- Is my privacy protected?
- Will I have to pay for this service?
- When should I notify the ministries that my address has changed?
- If my address is outside of Ontario, can I use this service to change my address?
- Can I change my address online for my Driver’s Licence without a Health card?
- How do I get help with my address change?
- If I own a fleet of vehicles, can I use this service to change my address?
- If I am unable to use my mouse, how can I select an option (button)?
- My screen is not big enough to view the whole web page and my browser buttons are not working, what is the problem?
During the address change:
- When I try to use my browser's Back button, I sometimes get an error message. Why am I not able to go back?
- Why do I need to provide information like my old postal code, the last four characters of the number of my citizenship or immigration document, and my birth date to change my address?
- I used my Canadian birth certificate as my Citizenship document when I registered for my photo health card. There are several numbers listed on my birth certificate. When the system asks for 'the last four characters of the number of the Canadian Citizenship or Immigration Document', which number on my birth certificate do I use?
- Why am I not able to change my newborn child's address with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care using this service?
- I cannot remember my last reported postal code or which citizenship or immigration document I need to use. What should I do?
- Why did the online form not allow me to continue with my address change?
- I got a message that says I reached the maximum number of attempts. What does this mean?
- When I enter my postal code, my address appears on the next screen. How does that work?
- What do you mean by residential address and mailing address?
- Why am I asked to enter a residential address and a mailing address?
- Within Canada Post's Postal Code Look-up, what does "Street Type" mean?
- I got an error message that says my postal code is invalid. What is the problem?
- I have correctly entered my postal code for my residential address, but my address is not in the address range. What is the problem?
- I have correctly entered my postal code for my mailing address, but my mailing address is not in the address range, or the address form presented does not match my mailing address information. What is the problem?
- If I provide contact information, such as a phone number and/or an email address, what will it be used for?
- I experienced a technical problem while changing my address. Should I be concerned about the security of my personal information?
After the address change:
Other questions:
- Are there other ways to change my address?
- Why am I not able to change my address once for all Government of Ontario ministries?
- What additional electronic services are offered on the ServiceOntario website?
1. Is my privacy protected?
Yes. This is your personal information, and it is the responsibility of the Ontario government to protect it. We have strict privacy standards in place.
The Privacy Statement provides detailed information about how we are protecting your privacy.
2. Will I have to pay for this service?
No, this service is free
3. When should I notify the ministries that my address has changed?
You should change your address as soon as you move. Please do not change your address before you move.
4. If my address is outside of Ontario, can I use this service to change my address?
Your residential address and mailing address must both be in Ontario unless you are changing your address only for the Ministry of Natural Resources.
• The Ministry of Transportation Address Change online service can only be used to change your residential and mailing address within Ontario.
• The Ministry of Natural Resources Address Change service can be used to change your address anywhere in Canada if you have a fishing version Outdoors Card.
• The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Address Change service can only be used to change your residential and mailing address within Ontario.
If you would like to change your mailing address with the Ministry of Transportation to an address outside of Ontario you can change your address using another method (see Question 27).
5. Can I change my address online for my Driver’s Licence without a Health card?
ServiceOntario and ministry partners have implemented system changes and introduced new security measures designed to ensure the integrity of its Address Change services online. The changes mean that if you wish to update the address on your Ontario Driver’s Licence with the Ministry of Transportation, you must also update the address on your Ontario Health Card with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at the same time. We have implemented this feature online in order to protect customer privacy and security.
If you cannot complete your address change online, or if you do not have a Health Card, you can change your address using another method (see Question 27).
6. How do I get help with my address change?
Throughout the web pages, we have placed "Help" buttons where we think you may need more information. You may also want to review the other frequently asked questions on this page. If you still cannot find the answer to your question, please complete the feedback form.
For general help with an address change, call the Citizens' Inquiry Bureau:
- In Toronto: (416) 212-2071, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
- Toll-free in Ontario: 1-866-608-4824, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For help with a Driver's Licence or Vehicle Registration address change, call the Ministry of Transportation:
- Toll-free at 1-800-387-3445 or 416-235-2999 (Toronto), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For help with an Outdoors Card address change, call the Ministry of Natural Resources' Outdoors Card Centre:
- Toll-free at 1-800-387-7011, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For help with a health card address change, call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:
- Toll-free: 1-866-295-8224, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
- TTY: 1-800-387-5559, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
7. If I own a fleet of vehicles, can I use this service to change my address?
No. Address changes for fleets of vehicles can be done at Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Offices.
8. If I am unable to use my mouse, how can I select an option (button)?
If you are using any version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher:
- Use the "Tab" key to tab forward to the first option;
- Use the Arrow keys to select the option you want;
- Tab forward to the "Next" button; and
- Press the "Enter" key or the Space bar on your keyboard.
If you are using any version of Netscape Communicator 6.x or higher:
- Use the "Tab" key to tab forward to the option you want;
- Use the Space bar to select the option;
- Tab forward to the "Next" button; and
- Press the "Enter" key or the Space bar on your keyboard.
9. My screen is not big enough to view the whole web page and my browser buttons are not working, what is the problem?
You may need to change your screen resolution to ensure all data fits on the screen. By accessing your computer desktop options, you can increase the screen resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels.
Certain restrictions have been placed on how your browser and other features work to make the website accessible to persons with disabilities.
10. When I try to use my browser's "Back" button, I sometimes get an error message. Why am I not able to go back?
We are protecting the privacy of your personal information by adding a security feature that forbids your browser from holding certain information. If you want to go back to a page you just left, use the "Previous" button located on the page itself.
11. Why do I need to provide information like my old postal code, the last four characters of the number of my citizenship or immigration document, and my birth date to change my address?
This is a security measure designed to protect your personal information by reducing the potential for fraud. As a precaution, each ministry requests specific information before authorizing any changes to your personal information.
12. I used my Canadian birth certificate as my Citizenship document when I registered for my photo health card. There are several numbers listed on my birth certificate. When the system asks for "the last four characters of the number of the Canadian Citizenship or Immigration Document", which number on my birth certificate do I use?
On most Canadian birth certificates there is a registration number. The registration number is the number that was captured as your Citizenship document number. The last four characters of the registration number must be entered for verification. Each time you do an address change online, you will be asked to verify yourself using your document number.
13. Why am I not able to change my newborn child's address with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care using this service?
You can only change your newborn child's address with this website if a citizenship document (e.g., a birth certificate) number or immigration document number has been recorded in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's database. You can continue with the address change by downloading a "Change of Address" form from the Forms Online section of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website and return it by mail.
14. I cannot remember my last reported postal code or which citizenship or immigration document number I need to use. What should I do?
For postal codes: If you remember the last address you reported to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, you can get the postal code from Canada Post's website. If you cannot remember the last address you reported to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, you will need to change your address using another method.
For citizenship or immigration document numbers: A few of the more common citizenship or immigration documents used to register for OHIP include: Canadian birth certificates, passports and the Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Naturalization. Here is a complete list of citizenship and immigration documents. If you cannot remember which document you used, you will need to change your address using another method (see Question 27).
15. Why did the online form not allow me to continue with my address change?
Either the information you entered was incorrect or our system is down.
- If you repeatedly enter incorrect information, the system will lock you out. This is a security measure. You will need to change your address using another method.
- Our system may be down in rare instances. We apologize for the inconvenience. You can either try again later or change your address using another method (see Question 27).
16. I got a message that says I reached the maximum number of attempts. What does this mean?
If you repeatedly enter incorrect information, the system will lock you out. This is a security measure to protect against fraudulent activity. You will have to change your address using another method (see Question 27).
17. When I enter my postal code, my address appears on the next screen. How does that work?
Your address is retrieved from a Canada Post database using the postal code information you provided.
18. What do you mean by residential address and mailing address?
Your residential address is where you physically live. Your mailing address is the address Canada Post uses to deliver mail to you.
19. Why am I asked to enter a residential address and a mailing address?
Ministries have unique requirements for collecting address information. If your mailing address is the same as your residential address (i.e., where you live), you only have to enter one address. If your mailing address is different than your residential address, you must fill in both addresses.
20. Within Canada Post's Postal Code Look-up, what does "Street Type" mean?
Avenue, Road, Crescent, Street, and Lane are all examples of street types.
21. I got an error message that says my postal code is invalid. What is the problem?
It could be that either your address is new to Canada Post or it is a residential address for which Canada Post does not maintain residential information.
If your address is new, it may not have been added to Canada Post's database yet and you will not be able to use our website to change your address. You will need to change your address using another method (see Question 27). We apologize for the inconvenience.
22. I have correctly entered my postal code for my residential address, but my address is not in the address range. What is the problem?
Occasionally, Canada Post does not maintain detailed residential address information for a postal code. When you are presented with the "Postal Code Search Results" page, choose the option that most closely reflects your residential address. You will then be presented with the "Physical Survey Form" where you can enter more detailed information such as your street name and street number, or lot/part-lot and concession or plan number.
23. I have correctly entered my postal code for my mailing address, but my mailing address is not in the address range, or the address form presented does not match my mailing address information. What is the problem?
It could be that your mailing address is new to Canada Post and may not have been added to the Canada Post data yet, or it is a mailing address that cannot be found within the Canada Post data.
ServiceOntario address change uses the information provided by Canada Post. This is to ensure data integrity of the address and to reduce the rate of undeliverable mail due to incorrect and/or incomplete addresses.
If your mailing address cannot be found within the Canada Post data, you will not be able to use the website to change your address. You can change your address by using another method as indicated below:
Ministry of Transportation:
- Visit your nearest Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. List of office locations.
- Send a letter to the Ministry of Transportation stating your driver’s licence number and/or vehicle identification number, and your old and new addresses to:
ServiceOntario
P.O. Box 9200
Kingston, ON K7L 5K4
Ministry of Natural Resources:
- Contact the Outdoors Card Centre from anywhere in Canada by calling 1-800-387-7011. The hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday to Friday.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:
- Complete a "Change of Address" form (form # 1057-82)
- Send a letter to your local Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office. In your letter, be sure to include your: 1) name; 2) health number; 3) telephone number; 4) current address; 5) new address and postal code.
- Visit your local Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office. List of office locations.
24. If I provide contact information, such as a phone number and/or an email address, what will it be used for?
Contact information will be used if a ministry needs to contact you. You can review the Privacy Statement for more information.
25. I experienced a technical problem while changing my address. Should I be concerned about the security of my personal information?
No. Although computer glitches will sometimes occur, your personal information is protected at all times.
26. When will I get my new card(s)?
If applicable, the following will be mailed to you after you have changed your address:
- Driver's Licence: A new Driver's Licence will be mailed to you within four to six weeks. When you receive your new licence, please confirm the information is correct before destroying your old one. If you do not receive your new Driver's Licence within 8 weeks, please call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-387-3445 or (416) 235-2999 (Toronto).
- Vehicle Registration: Please be advised that a new vehicle registration will not be issued. If you require a new Vehicle Registration, please visit your nearest Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office (Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office)
- Outdoor Cards: Keep your current card because a new card will not be issued to you. Your address is not recorded on the card.
- Health Cards:
- If you have a photo health card and your residential address information has changed, you should receive a new card in approximately four to five weeks. No address information will be shown on the back of your new card.
- If only your mailing address information has changed, your information will be updated and you will not receive a new card. If your card has expired or is about to expire within 30 days, you must visit your local Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office to renew your card.
- If you have a red and white health card or a photo health card that does not show your address information on the back of the card, your information will be updated but you will not receive a new card.
27. Are there other ways to change my address?
Yes. You can visit any of the 70 ServiceOntario Kiosks located across the province. These kiosks have extended hours of availability.
If you are unable to visit a kiosk, here are some other ways to change your address:
- Driver's Licences or Vehicle Registrations: You can mail your completed Plate Owner Address Change Notice which you can find attached to your Vehicle Registration or original Driver's Licence carrier document. The address is indicated on the Notice. You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.
- Outdoor Cards: You can call the Outdoors Card Centre toll-free at 1-800-387-7011, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
- Health Cards: You can either:
- Download a form from the "Forms Online" section of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's website, or pick one up at your local Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office and return it by mail.
- Send a letter to your local Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office. In your letter, be sure to include your: 1) name; 2) health number; 3) telephone number; 4) current address; 5) new address and postal code.
28. Why am I not able to change my address once for all Government of Ontario ministries?
The Ontario government is working towards providing you with more online services. However, it takes time to set up secure services that make sure your privacy is protected at all times. We will only implement an electronic service when we know the whole system is secure, your privacy is protected and it is easy for you to use.
29. What additional electronic services are offered on the ServiceOntario website?
Visit the website regularly, because we are continually adding services. You can register a business, renew your vehicle sticker and Outdoors Card, reserve a campsite, find out about apprenticeship programs, find electronic forms bundled around common themes, or get help on dealing with major life events such as getting married.
